Iron stores in blood donors
T. L. Simon, P. J. Garry and E. M. Hooper
A high frequency of donations by some blood donors has prompted concern
about iron depletion. Five hundred sixteen female and 505 male donors were
examined by measurements of hemoglobin, hematocrit, plasma iron, total
iron-binding capacity, and ferritin values and detailed histories of iron
ingestion, pregnancy and menstrual status, and past blood donations.
Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum iron studies, unlike ferritin values,
were not sensitive indicators of body iron depletion. Reduced iron stores
were found in 8% of male and 23% of female donors. Menstruation
significantly lowered iron stores in women. The total number of lifetime
donations was not as predictive of decreased iron stores as frequency of
donations per year. Even casual iron supplementation reduced the impact of
donations on iron stores. Administration of iron to donors, especially
menstruating women, should be studied by blood programs.
